Before
you help someone, you first need to understand the situation they are in. The
effects of fentanyl withdrawal frequently extend several days.
However,
addiction's psychological repercussions last a lifetime. But it would be best
if you are careful and seek medical advice at the right time.
Now,
let's get to know more about the fentanyl
treatment so you can help a loved one or
yourself while undergoing the treatment.
1 - Fentanyl: what does it do?
Fentanyl
is a painkiller that is only legally provided with a proper prescription. It is
potent and also very addictive.
Fentanyl
can be a respectable component of a pain management plan when used as
instructed. Fentanyl patches provide long-lasting pain relief for those with
chronic pain. After surgery, doctors may recommend IV fentanyl to reduce
discomfort.
Fentanyl's
effects are so strong that you need only minimal amounts to reduce pain. It is
risky to take more than is advised.
As
little as 2mg of the substance can cause a fatal overdose.
2 - What makes fentanyl addictive?
Fentanyl
belongs to the opioid drug subclass. Opioids function by causing the brain to
release endorphins. Endorphins are known as
"feel-good chemicals". In the case of fentanyl, it releases
enough to generate a euphoric sensation or a "high".
Opioids
are beneficial as prescription painkillers because endorphins reduce the
perception of pain. Additionally, they produce a fleeting feeling of extreme
happiness or euphoria. As the drugs leave your body, that euphoria fades, but
the urge to experience it again could linger. It can be quite challenging to
escape a drug usage cycle once you start looking for additional opioids.
Addiction
starts with the need to obtain more of the drug. Opioids like fentanyl might
make you dependent on them over time to feel good. Eventually, the urge to use
can become overwhelming.
Any
opioid use can result in addiction. Many people dependent on fentanyl become
that way after a doctor prescribes it. Because there is a chance of addiction,
many doctors are reluctant to recommend opioids for long-term pain management.
The
requirement to take more medication is a serious risk of opioid addiction. You
require increasing doses as your body adjusts to the medicines to acquire the
intended results. Any substance taken in large dosages carries the risk of overdosing,
which can be fatal.
It
would help if you located a reputed clinic with a good rating for fentanyl
withdrawal treatment.
3 - What is the withdrawal from
fentanyl like?
The
timetable for fentanyl withdrawal starts soon. Withdrawal symptoms can begin
within 12 to 30 hours of your last dose. If you stop taking fentanyl or other
opioids after becoming reliant on them, your body won't react well.
These signs include:
· intense
fentanyl urges
· goosebumps
or the chills
· bloating
· irritability
· sickness
or vomiting
· pain
(muscle cramps, bone pain)
· yawns
· runny
nose
· sleeping
difficulties or restless sleep
· sweating
· abdomen
pain
· Weakness
4 - How do you handle withdrawal
from fentanyl?
When
detoxing from opioids, most people benefit from medical monitoring because the
withdrawal symptoms can be very severe and intense. You may require additional
drugs to lessen the effects of withdrawal. Work on a plan to discontinue
Fentanyl treatment with your doctor if you have been using it for longer than
two weeks.
You
can gradually reduce your fentanyl intake until you no longer require it. This
method is known as tapering.
Your
doctor will keep an eye on your well-being as you taper. You might need
frequent visits to monitor your symptoms and check your vital signs. Doctors
may need blood samples to assess the levels of your medications in your system.
· Medication-assisted
therapy - In conjunction with a medication-assisted treatment program,
your doctor might urge you to discontinue fentanyl treatment. In this therapy,
fentanyl is swapped for another opioid, typically methadone, suboxone, or
buprenorphine. These treat the physical opioid cravings without producing the
euphoric effects of fentanyl.
The treatment program in question must be under medical
supervision. Your doctor will decide your dosage.
5 - What are the risks of
withdrawing from fentanyl?
One
of the main factors contributing to drug overdoses in the US is illicit
fentanyl. If you are addicted to fentanyl, withdrawal symptoms can push you to
get it illegally.
However,
this is extremely risky because fentanyl made illegally is not controlled. You
cannot confirm the components of the dose. The dose may be considerably higher
than what is safe and result in a fatal overdose.
Final
note
Seek
immediate medical attention if you experience withdrawal symptoms after
attempting to stop using fentanyl. With the assistance of a doctor, you may
manage symptoms of withdrawal without resorting to illegal narcotics.
Call
911 immediately if you believe you or someone you know has overdosed on
fentanyl. Please visit the Cooperative recovery website if you have further concerns about a fentanyl treatment
program.